New report: 17.5 billion meals and 132,600 jobs

The global salmon farming industry continues to evolve sustainably, producing 17.5 billion meals every year and creating 132,600 jobs in coastal communities around the world, says a new report.

The International Salmon Farmers (ISFA) released its latest socio-economic report Salmon Farming: Sustaining Communities and Feedingthe World today in conjunction with World Oceans Day.

“World Oceans Day gives us the chance to celebrate salmon farming’s vital role in a sustainable future for our oceans Salmon farmers are growing even more healthy meals with a minimal environmental footprint, while increasing annual production and creating more jobs in coastal communities around the world,” says Trond Davidsen, President of the International Salmon Farmers Association

This report found that global salmon farmers produce 17.5 billion meals every year from only .00008 per cent of the world’s oceans. The report also shows the global salmon farming industry produces $15.4 billion (USD) worth of salmon each year, creates 132,600 direct and indirect jobs around the world and stimulates thousands more spin-off jobs and economic growth in a wide variety of other sectors.

“Today the world’s salmon farmers produce 2.5 million tonnes of salmon annually. Whether you are eating fresh salmon sushi, a grilled salmon fillet or smoked salmon, the odds are it has been farmed by a member of ISFA,” says Mr. Davidsen. “Farmed salmon has become a staple of healthy and affordable diets around the world.”

The report outlines key statistics about the sustainability of salmon farming, the growing population and the need to find innovative ways to feed the world. It also includes overviews of the industry in every country where salmon is farmed. The ISFA’s inaugural socio-economic report in 2015 showed that salmon farmers globally produced 14.8 billion meals, produced $10 billion (USD) worth of salmon and created 121,000 direct and indirect jobs.